§ Lord Hoosonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why, contrary to statements made by Ministers and Government officials over the last five years that there would be one hygienic standard operating in all United Kingdom abattoirs by 1st January 1993, this has not been complied with, with the results that abattoirs built or modified to modern EC standards which incur heavy veterinary costs every week are having to compete with abattoirs which are escaping veterinary charges completely and which are operating now in contravention of the Fresh Meat Hygiene Inspection Regulation 1992.
Earl HoweThe Fresh Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1992 came into effect on 1st January 1993. Local authorities are responsible for arranging veterinary supervision. The Agriculture Departments are continuing to encourage local authorities to provide veterinary supervision at all abattoirs, as required by these regulations.
The Government remain committed to the implementation of a single standard of hygiene and inspection for meat produced in British slaughterhouses. Officials of the State Veterinary Service are completing the process of agreeing work plans with those operators who meet to modify their premises to comply with the new standards.